Bombing shifts Mass. Senate race before primaries

BOSTON (AP) — The candidates in the Massachusetts special election to replace U.S. Sen. John Kerry have been forced to walk a delicate balance as they court voters ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections.

They suspended campaign activities for roughly a week after the Boston Marathon bombings, which took place 15 days before the Republican and Democratic primaries. After resuming campaigning, they have largely avoided the site of the attack out of sensitivity for victims.

At least one candidate tweaked his campaign advertising to address the violence. Others are highlighting their national security credentials. And some are using the sudden focus on terrorism to shift the direction of the race.

It’s unclear how many voters are paying attention. State officials were already predicting a low turnout even before the attack.